A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Piliavin proposed the Arousal Cost-Reward model to explain the decision-making process of bystanders in emergency situations. This model posits that bystanders experience emotional arousal when they witness someone in distress. The level of arousal felt by the bystander influences their likelihood of intervening to help.

According to the model, bystanders weigh the costs of intervening against the rewards. Costs may include the potential danger involved in helping, the possibility of embarrassment, or the time and effort required. In contrast, rewards might be the satisfaction derived from helping or social approval from others. The interaction of these emotional arousal and perceived costs and rewards ultimately determines whether a bystander decides to take action or remains passive.

This model specifically focuses on the cognitive processes and emotional responses individuals go through when faced with a decision to help someone in need, providing insight into the psychological mechanisms underlying bystander behavior.